Technique: Shooting Stance And Posture - Tips?

[Dr B 186]

Many years ago, in a galaxy far far away (and before a bad car accident), I used to train in martial arts. We learned a great deal about posture and weight distribution across the legs for delivering optimal strikes (be they punches, knees or kicks). We also learned about positioning our elbows and wrists for optimal resistance and strength, about angles and so on. So why talk about this here and now?

 

Well, I'd be interested in hearing your tips here on optimal shooting stances, or at least some aspects to be considered in the various stances (hand / arm angles etc). For example, tips for standing shots, kneeling, sitting, and prone. Things like how do you distribute your weight when taking these shots? Do you have your lead hand supporting the gun out at the end of the stock, or nearer the trigger with your elbow tucked into or aligned with your hip? And so on.....Any definite no no's?

 

Perhaps many of you take part in competitions and think and practice this a lot. Perhaps you're a hunter and merely rely more on your intuition and do all this sub-consciously. Either way I reckon a lot of people here have worked out things that help them. Obviously its a personal thing and all our body types mean that different things will work for different people - but in a time where 95% of airgun chat is about kit and gear, it's nice to chat about technique which costs nothing, but pays plenty.

 

Are there good resources that discuss these aspects in the airgun literature?

[moxy 617]

http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/182473-spring-air-rifle-shooting/

[Dr B 186]

Thanks Moxy, will read and return

[bigmac 97kt 13,816]

Yep Simon(pianoman) is our man to go to when you need to no any thing about springers and shooting stances

 

after all he is the springer god and even i have had to ask him for help

 

ask him the hardest question you can think of about shooting and he will give you the answer in detail and at length

 

O and im crap at standing shots but down on one knee or prone then that's a different mater

 

How you keeping bud hope all is well

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

[meathumper 29]

I think your over analysing things. Shoot however you want, what is practical and comfortable and offers the steadiest shot. You should not strain for a shot (twist or force yourself to hold aim), the rifle should point naturally at the target, dont hold your aim for too long, dont hold your breath, these will make you shake, or faint. Breathe correctly, Squeeze the trigger, dont pull it. Always follow through after the shot.

[mark williams 7,563]

http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/182473-spring-air-rifle-shooting/

What a brilliant post.

Cheers Moxy and a very big Thank You Simon.

 

atb

[Hydropotesinermis 724]

The best shooting position is comfortable, and requires no muscle to keep the gun "on target" that is to say that you are just holding the rifle and it is naturally pointing at the target. All you are doing is operating the trigger.

 

All I worry about when adopting a shooting position is having the proper scope picture and following through with the shot.

 

It doesn't matter what shape you make as long as its comfortable.

[The one 8,523]

You can read all you want about shooting , etc but i go with the main thing is being comfortable, control your breathing hold your breathe and squeeze the trigger , my son shoots with his left eye right hand and is the most akward person ive ever shot with he shoves himself from the passenger seat in the car till hes nearly sitting on my knee in the drivers side but when he pulls the trigger 99.9% of the things he aims at are dead that and plenty practice and more practice

[pianoman 3,587]

It's here in these responses. It's all about comfort. Personally, I shoot prone as that is the most stable and comfortable position I know of, for getting everything nice and relaxed, from your hold and support on your rifle, to your breathing. Sitting is another that is easy to relax into.

 

Whatever makes you feel relaxed and at ease with your rifle, controlled in the aim, that is your ideal position to be in.

[mark williams 7,563]

When shooting over decoys or ploughed land i am usually prone with the gun on a bipod and all camo`d up.

When shooting wood pigeon/ sitty tree, i am sat in a hide with shooting sticks.

Yes comfort is a major part.

 

atb

[Dr B 186]

Yep Simon(pianoman) is our man to go to when you need to no any thing about springers and shooting stances

 

after all he is the springer god and even i have had to ask him for help

 

ask him the hardest question you can think of about shooting and he will give you the answer in detail and at length

 

O and im crap at standing shots but down on one knee or prone then that's a different mater

 

How you keeping bud hope all is well

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

 

Hey Bigmac

 

Yes, a great read. I prefer sitting for most shots - but that's just me. All going well this end. Been squirrel blatting in the north for a week, and got the promise of some new land - so all pleased at this end. .

[Dr B 186]

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond. As my body ages, I'm having to adapt my stances / positions in certain ways so it was good to hear people's views on the key points to keep in mind.

[bigmac 97kt 13,816]

 

Yep Simon(pianoman) is our man to go to when you need to no any thing about springers and shooting stances

 

after all he is the springer god and even i have had to ask him for help

 

ask him the hardest question you can think of about shooting and he will give you the answer in detail and at length

 

O and im crap at standing shots but down on one knee or prone then that's a different mater

 

How you keeping bud hope all is well

 

atvbmac :thumbs:

 

Hey Bigmac

 

Yes, a great read. I prefer sitting for most shots - but that's just me. All going well this end. Been squirrel blatting in the north for a week, and got the promise of some new land - so all pleased at this end. .

 

top class

 

good luck on the new land bud

 

atvbmac :thumbs: